Traitorous Action!

Up until now I have been happily struggling along trying to make this trapdoor shoot better.  Slowly I gathered experience and knowledge, even if it was just knowledge of what doesn't work.  Gradually my scores got better as my groups got smaller.  I learned the value of good sights.  I learned the importance or the right bullet weight.  I fine tuned powder, case prep, and cleaning ritual.  In the end, I have come to the realization that I am stuck.  I have also fostered the belief that the quality of my barrel is the issue.  While it is nice to be shooting my great grandfather's old Trapdoor Springfield, I have to admit it is both worn and pitted.  So, what to do?

My first step is to try a nice modern black powder cartridge rifle just to be sure the problem isn't me.  It is always possible that I am wobbly and blind, so nothing will make a lick of difference.  Another horrible truth is that I've become as connected to BPCR shooting as I have to trapdoors, so I want a rifle I can just go use.  After a little asking around, a reasonably priced Pedersoli rolling block presented itself.  Rolling Block!  A traitor to the trapdoor cause!

Well, there it is.  The rear sight I had on the trapdoor was a direct bolt on.  I added a cheek pad just like on the trapdoor since it worked so well.  How did it do?  First time out I shot my best score ever.  I also got my first perfect 10.

So what of the future?  Does this blog turn into "Developing the reproduction rolling block?"  I don't think so.  The old trapdoor still has some life in it.  I just need to find a barrel solution, and that will take time.  The best solution is to keep my eyes out for a sharp original barrel.  I can also find a truly crusty barrel and reline it, but I'm not sure that's much different than buying a new rifle.  Either option will take some time.  In the interim, I'll just keep plugging along with my "traitorous action."